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NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner will leave politics after the March 2015 state election after stepping down as The Nationals leader on Wednesday.
Mr Stoner made the shock announcement citing recent family challenges as the primary reason for shifting his focus from politics to private life.
He said it was time to put his family first but will remain in his portfolio role, at the request of NSW Premier Mike Baird, until 6pm on March 28, 2015 "to ensure this government is rewarded with another term."
Mr Stoner, the member for the Mid-North Coast seat of Oxley, has served in the NSW Parliament since 1999 and as Nationals leader since 2003.
"Serving as a member of Parliament requires our families and loved ones to make many sacrifices. For members representing regional electorates, this includes many nights away from home. In the next phase of my life, I look forward to spending more time with my wife Cathy and our children," Mr Stoner said.
"Whilst a part of me wants to stay in government to achieve more positive reform for the people of NSW, the time has come, after almost sixteen years, to put my family first. I have no job lined up, and I am not under any cloud. I simply need to be there for my family."
Mr Stoner said last year the demands of his job meant he had spent 250 days away from his family.
"This has coincided with some very difficult family issues that have been faced by my wife and three children back at home," he said. "I can no longer expect or ask my wife, Cathy, to face these issues alone."
